Rodionova an unlikely Australian flag-bearer
WIMBLEDON bolter Arina Rodionova will tonight try to extend an unlikely passage as Australia’s lone All England Club survivor.
Rated Australia’s third-best hope behind 20th seed Daria Gavrilova and Wimbledon junior titleist Ashleigh Barty, Gavrilova stands alone at the home of tennis.
Ranked No.166 in the world, Gavrilova is in uncharted territory after winning three qualifying matches and then saving seven match points in a thrilling 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 9-7 win over 16th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Married to Hawthorn AFL player Ty Vickery, Rodionova faces Kazakh wildcard Zarina Diyas for a place in the third round.
“Considering that it’s at a grand slam, this is definitely the biggest win of my career,” Rodionova said after securing a provisional personal-best ranking of No.131.
“I had a top-20 win a few years ago against (Kaia) Kanepi but this one means so much more to me.
“It’s just great timing.” Rodionova is now guaranteed prizemoney of about $100,000.
The triumph was her first at grand slam level, having logged first-round defeats dating back to 2011.
“There was no pressure on me. I was just determined to enjoy it, play at Wimbledon for the first time and have some fun and I certainly did that,” she said.
“I was a really physical match for both of us. I just want to focus on my recovery.
“I have doubles tomorrow first and then I can start thinking about my next opponent.”
Diyas progressed 6-3, 6-4 against China’s Xinyun Han.
The former world No.31 is unbeaten in three previous encounters with Rodionova.